Get the Recruiter’s Attention with a Swiss Cover Letter

You might be in a position right now where either you are worried about losing your job or you are already looking for a new job. Maybe you have even been looking for a while already. Perhaps you feel it’s time to update your resume and your job-searching skills, just in case. I thought you could use this reminder from my older publication, “The Global Career Workbook,” on how to get a Swiss recruiter’s attention.

Cover letter writing is an art. With modern technology, applicants often do not see the need to write a cover letter these days, but in my opinion, it is the most artistic part of a good application. Emphatically,  in Switzerland, IT’S A MUST. Many recruiters want to read it. They would like to see that you tried to get that interview. I receive considerable amounts of cover letters, and most of them sound like they were copied from a textbook. Nobody gets excited reading some sort of ‘copy and paste’ write-ups, void of personal touch.  Only the more personal ones gain my attention. They have to be personal, crisp, and show me who you are.

1) Get the Swiss Recruiter’s Attention

Ask her out on a date. Not literally, but imagine you were taking the same kind of care. When you write a Swiss cover letter, you want the other person to like you and find you attractive enough to read your resumé. The cover letter is your appetizer, and the resumé is your main course. If you get to the interview stage, then that’s like having dessert on the first date. And after three interviews, you might get kissed. I mean, you might get the job offer you are longing for.

2) Wet the Swiss Recruiter’s Appetite

On your date, you don’t eat everything at the same time. You enjoy getting to know each other and take a step-by-step approach to build trust. You wait with the main course until they have digested the appetizer. Your cover letter is the appetizer.  Imagine you are on your first date, and your counterpart tells you for half an hour how great they are. Rather boring, right? You zoom out of the conversation and wish to run away. The same is true if a recruiter reads your whole resumé already in the cover letter. What could you do to make the conversation more interesting?

3) Follow my Lead for Fresh Recipes

When crafting your cover letter, addressing the recruiter by their correct name is crucial rather than opting for generic terms like “Sir” or “Madam.” Taking the time to research and include the recruiter’s name demonstrates your seriousness and attention to detail. Additionally, ensure that you accurately spell the names of any references provided in your letter.

Maintain a respectful and formal tone throughout the letter to leave a positive impression on the recruiter. Choose a single font and adhere to the standard letter-writing style of the country you are applying to. Creating an appealing and visually pleasing letter contributes to a professional presentation.

Emphasize the needs of the prospective employer before discussing your own. Highlight what you can bring and how your skills align with the company’s requirements. This approach underscores your understanding of the employer’s priorities. Establish a personal connection with the company or the recruiter. Share experiences, such as using their products or having positive associations with the brand due to individual stories. This personal touch adds a genuine and relatable aspect to your application.

Avoid the temptation to copy and paste content, as errors in company names or contact persons can harm your application. Take the time to read the letter aloud to catch any potential mistakes and ensure the accuracy of the information.

4) Use Active Language in your Cover Letter

Use active language and construct complete sentences in your cover letter. Prioritize verbs over nouns, avoid passive constructs, and keep your sentences concise. This approach enhances the clarity and impact of your communication. If English is not your native language, meticulously review your translation and consider seeking input from a native speaker to refine your grammar. Recruiters often notice and are bothered by grammatical errors in cover letters.

Keep your cover letter brief, limiting it to a maximum of one page with five paragraphs. Conclude the letter with your contact information, including a professional-sounding email address and phone number. Avoid using slang and maintain a formal writing style, as your cover letter is a professional document, not a casual chat. Remember that even if you belong to Generation Y or Z, maintaining a professional demeanor is crucial, especially when addressing individuals of your parent’s generation.

5) Use a Connection in your Swiss Cover Letter

It helps to build trust by using a connection in your Swiss cover letter. Ideally, before you apply to any job, check your network and find out if you have a connection who could refer you. This is much more helpful than the best references or certificates. A trusted source inside the company goes a long way. Modern recruiting tools have an official referral button now.  See the example here at Workday.

Master Class 2025

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Master Class in March 2025.

Save-the-Date

Finding a Job Through Relationships– A Master Class on Job Search Strategies for Lifestyle Expat

With Angie Weinberger,  Founder of Global People Transitions

Hosted by Diana Kuebler

DATE: Thursday, 20 March 2025 

TIME: 12 PM to 1.30 PM CET

LOCATION: ZOOM

Fee: 97.00 EUR (incl VAT)

Email diana@globalpeopletransitions.com

In this master class, we will explore:
🌍 Expat Hubs and Inbound Markets – Key insights into global mobility and opportunities.
💼 The Job Market in 2025 – Understanding emerging trends and how to stay ahead.
🤝 The Circle of Trust (Ingroup vs. Outgroup) – Strategies to build inclusion and credibility.
🔑 The 4 P’s of Networking – Purpose, Preparation, Presence, and Promises to make impactful connections.
🎯 The 3 F’s – Leveraging Friends, Fame, and Fortune to grow your professional footprint.
💡 Two Methods – Learn to excel with techniques like Professional Blind Dates and Expert Interviews.
🚀 The HireMeExpress Program – A streamlined approach to advancing your career in a competitive market.

The session will conclude with a Q&A, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask specific questions and receive tailored advice.

Resources

The ‘Bourne Effect’ – Why you Need a Brand